The "Wow" Factor

By Melissa Chang

Published: 2011.06.09 07:12 AM

You can't tell from the simple, almost plain façade, but this home at 3939 Kahala Ave. has an amazing design with surprises around almost every turn.

Step inside, and aside from the ocean view through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the most striking element is the nautilus-like staircase that joins the main living area to the master bedroom upstairs and the second living area downstairs.

The path from top to bottom was so interesting, I had to take a video tour to show the flow of the home, which turns "downward spiral" into a positive concept.

The entire top floor is dedicated to the master bedroom and bath, with its own roof deck that's large enough to entertain guests. The main floor has an expansive and open living room, with a modern kitchen and separate bar area to accommodate entertaining. The living room also opens to a spacious bedroom/office.

When you get to the bottom floor, you land in the common area for storage, recreation or lounging; it connects to two large bedrooms on either side, both of which open out to the barbecue and pool.

"This is the largest pool in this neighborhood," says realtor Lisa Haeringer.

As if the two bedrooms and the pool weren't enough, there's a second living room downstairs. The whole downstairs may be as big as the two top floors combined, which will provide more elbow room and privacy for houseguests, or multi-family living.

One of the neat features in one of the downstairs bedrooms is an executive safe in the closet, as well as a hidden storage area.

About Our Writers

Honolulu Real Estate focuses on the Hawai‘i housing market, condos and homes for sale, Hawai‘i rentals and general news about real estate in Hawai‘i. It also includes stories on apartment living, home decor and profiles.

Melissa Chang graduated from the University of Hawai‘i with a degree in journalism. She has been blogging about food and travel since 2007. She works primarily in social media, so you can find her online @Melissa808 on Twitter and Instagram.

Jaymes Song is a real estate agent at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate in Kāhala. Jaymes is in the top 2 percent of Better Homes agents nationwide. He was voted “Best in Real Estate 2014” by HONOLULU Magazine readers. Previously, Jaymes was at The Orange County Register, Honolulu Star-Bulletin and rose through the ranks to overseeing news and operations for AP in Hawai‘i and the Pacific Rim. Jaymes lives in the Portlock area and loves his real full-time job as a dad to two curious kids.